Leonardo Helicopters Opens Support Center In Santa Rosa County
September 19, 2025
Leonardo celebrated the official grand opening of its new Florida Support Center on September 18 at Whiting Aviation Park in Santa Rosa County. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment—now totalling $65 million—in U.S. military aviation support, civil helicopter services, and regional aerospace growth.
Located adjacent to Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF), the new facility is purpose-built to deliver maintenance, logistics, and sustainment support for the U.S. Navy’s fleet of TH-73A training helicopters, while also expanding Leonardo’s award-winning customer support services to its civil operator’s base across the southeastern United States. The Florida Support Center will operate as a strategic hub to enhance aircraft availability and readiness across military and civil missions.
Now fully operational under a FAA Part 145 certificate, the Florida Support Center is open for business—ready to serve both operators and suppliers with responsive, U.S.-based support.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Space Florida CEO Robert Long, military leaders, and elected officials from local, state, and federal government. Clyde Woltman, the CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S., presided over the ceremony and gave remarks.
“Florida continues to lead in aerospace and defense innovation,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Leonardo’s Support Center is not only a win for our state’s economy — it’s a commitment to future military readiness and workforce development. We welcome this partnership in the Sunshine State.”
“This facility reflects the power of partnership,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “With its proximity to NAS Whiting Field, we’re proud to offer world-class sustainment for the TH-73A program while expanding support for civil operators in the region. None of this would be possible without the shared vision of Santa Rosa County, Space Florida, Triumph Gulf Coast, the U.S. Navy, and our many community partners. Together, we’ve built more than a facility—we’ve built a foundation for mission success.”
In addition to supporting the Navy’s TH-73A fleet, the facility expands access for Leonardo’s civil customers operating in law enforcement, EMS, utility, and VIP/corporate transport roles. Key customers in Florida include Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Monroe County Fire Rescue & Sheriff’s Department, the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, through its Florida Forest Service. Its dual-use design reflects Leonardo’s global-to-local strategy, combining world-class expertise with responsive, U.S.-based solutions.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tonight’s High School Football Schedule
September 19, 2025
Here’s a look at upcoming Friday night high school football games from the North Escambia area, along with Thursday night scores.
FLORIDA
- West Florida and Tate [Preview...]
- Holmes County at Northview [Preview...]
- Jay at Chipley
- Washington at Gulf Breeze
- Panama City Mosley at Escambia
- Pensacola Catholic at Jackson Providence
- Navarre at Milton
- Andalusia at Pace
- Pine Forest – Bye
- Pensacola High – Bye
- Central – Bye
ALABAMA
- Bayside Academy at Flomaton
- Escambia Academy at Coosa Valley
- St. Michael Catholic at Escambia County (Atmore)
- T.R. Miller at Hillcrest (Evergreen)
- Marianna at W.S. Neal
Three Injured In East Nine Mile, Old Palafox T-Bone Crash
September 18, 2025
Three people were injured in a crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of East Nine Mile Road and Palafox Street.
One person was trapped in the T-bone type crash at 2:41 a.m. Escambia County Fire rescue was able to remove the side of the pickup truck to free the victim.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Argos Ranked Top 3 In National Polls
September 18, 2025
The University of West Florida Argos have broken into the top three in the national polls after improving to 3-0 following Saturday’s win over Shorter.
West Florida was listed as No. 3 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) D2 Coaches Poll. The Argos were No. 5 in the same poll last week. Sitting above UWF is No. 2 Harding and defending national championships No. 1 Ferris St.
In Wayne Cavadi’s NCAA Division II Power 10 Rankings, West Florida also sits at No. 3 behind the same two teams as the AFCA poll.
The D2Football.com Top 25 Poll the Argos are ranked No. 4 behind Kutztown, Harding and Ferris State.
UWF is coming off a 42-20 home win over Shorter on Saturday. The Argos will travel to Tigerville, S.C. on Saturday for a matchup against North Greenville. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT at Younts Stadium.
Town Of Century Approves New Logo
September 18, 2025
The Town of Century has approved a new town logo.
The logo, which will also be used as an official seal, will be used on town documents, signage, websites, and eventually vehicles. Stationery, signage, and digital materials will be updated over time to keep costs minimal.
“An official seal will strengthen the Town’s identity and ensure consistent branding in its official capacity,” a resolution approved by the Town Council stated.
The logo was designed by Emily Black of Flomaton for $250.
Cantonment Educators Win National ‘Unsung Heroes’ Award And Grant
September 18, 2025
Two Cantonment educators have received Unsung Heroes grants from Voya Financial, a provider of retirement plans for educators.
Mary “Molly” O’Connor and Alisa Smith, teachers at Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in Cantonment, have received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2025 Unsung Heroes awards competition.
They are one of two in the entire state of Florida and are one of only 50 winning submissions to receive the award to help fund and bring their program to life. The other Florida winner is in Jacksonville. Selected from hundreds of applications, Voya received from throughout the United States, O’Connor and Smith will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place.
O’Connor’s and Smith’s innovative teaching idea, “Enhancing Accessibility at RHEC,” will improve the trails and outdoor spaces at the center which are difficult to navigate for people with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain, gravel paths, and natural obstacles. The Voya grant will fund the purchase of Mobi-mats, durable mats designed to improve wheelchair accessibility at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center.
According to the teaching duo, by installing these durable, portable mats, the center will create smooth, accessible routes that allow people who use wheelchairs and have other mobility needs a safe and accessible way to explore and fully enjoy the beauty of the natural environment. The mats will be strategically placed on key trails and other natural areas, ensuring greater inclusivity and promoting outdoor educational opportunities for all students, regardless of mobility levels. The project aims to enhance the center’s commitment to accessibility and provide an enriching hands-on, experiential educational opportunity for students of all abilities, thus fostering a more inclusive and welcoming community while encouraging them to connect with nature.
Pictured: Mary “Molly” O’Connor and Alisa Smith of the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center with Slither, the center’s Florida kingsnake, and Falcor, a bearded dragon. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Names 2025 Homecoming Court
September 18, 2025
Northview High School has named their 2025 Homecourt Court.
The court members are:
Seniors:
- Kate Beasley
- Aakira Davis
- Makenzie Levins
- Mary Oliver
- Noel Pugh
- Maggie Stewart
Juniors:
- Val Franco
- Mikayla McAnally
- Daviona Randolph
Sophomores:
- Carmen Garcia
- Akeylah Jefferson
- Meeyah Lassiter
Freshmen:
- Presley Davis
- Briley Moore
- Natalia Morales
The homecoming queen and her court will be named during pre-game activities on Friday at 6 p.m.
Pictured top: The 2025 Northview High School Homecoming Court (L-R) Natalia Morales, Briley Moore and Presley Davey, freshmen; Aakira Davis, Mary Oliver, Noel Pugh, Maggie Stewart, Makenzie Levins and Kate Beasley, seniors; Daviona Randolph, Mikayla McAnally and Val Franco, juniors; and Akeylah Jefferson, Carmen Garcia and Meeyah Lassiter, sophomores. NorthEscambai.com photos, click to enlarge.
Above: Seniors.
Above: Juniors.
Above: Sophomores.
Above: Freshmen.
IMPACT 100 Names 15 Finalists For Grants Of $103,500 Each
September 18, 2025
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has announced the 15 grant finalists selected for 2025. Twelve of the nonprofit finalists will each receive a grant of $103,500 at the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Annual Meeting on October 19.
This is the 22nd year that IMPACT 100 will award grants to local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has awarded 165 impactful grants totaling $17,492,000 to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The 15 finalists selected by IMPACT 100’s Focus Area Committees are:
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
- Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Inc. — Project: Drumroll, Please: The Sound of a New Century
- Pace Band Boosters, Inc. — Project: Every Note Matters: Powering the Next Generation of Musicians
- West Florida Railroad Museum, Inc. — Project: Embracing the Future
EDUCATION
- Children’s Home Society of Florida — Project: W.A.V.E.-Warriors Achieving, Valuing, and Exploring
- Escambia County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. (dba Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County) — Project: Classroom on Wheels
- Girls Scouts of Gateway Council, Inc. — Project: Wheels of Possibility: A Gateway to Learning
ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION
- Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association, Inc. (dba First Tee Gulf Coast) — Project: Truly Impacting Warrington Youth
- PYC Satori Foundation, Inc. — Project: Bridging the Gap in Youth Sailing
- Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, Inc. — Project: Moveable Habitats, Meaningful Messages
FAMILY
- Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. — Project: Equal Access Express
- Wesley Haven Villa, Inc. (dba Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida — Project: Rolling with a Purpose: Connecting Seniors to Care and Community
- Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Inc. — Project: Veteran Family Homelessness Prevention
HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Inc. (dba Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE)) — Project: BRACE Mobile Support and Resiliency Unit
- Feeding the Gulf Coast — Project: Nutrition Equals Seniors Thriving
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc. — Project: Healing House and Garden
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Names 2025 Homecoming Court
September 18, 2025
Tate High School has named their 2025 Homecourt Court.
The homecoming queen will be crowned during Friday night’ game, and the homecoming king will be crowned at Saturday night’s dance.
The court members are:
9th Grade Girls
- Kelsey Austin
- Brynn Donado
- Emma Dubuc
- Kelly McCabe
- Yaretzy Sandoval-Bocanegra
- Jordan Suarez
10th Grade Girls
- Gracyn Campbell
- Ella Frank
- India Jackson
- Nadia Mitchell
- Kinsley Powell
- Andrea Yalch
11th Grade Girls
- Zaria Cannon
- Livi Cherry
- Victoria Friedman
- Bristol Guy
- Brooklyn Ray
- Lillian Vige
- Kingsley Wann
12th Grade Girls
- Lillian Abner
- Mya Beane
- Caridyn Davis
- Sera Dillie
- Taylor Dyer
- Olivia Liv Gammon
- Kati Ingram
- Macy Jensen
- McKenna Lister
- Destiny Moorer
- Riley Phelps
- Emma Touchstone
12th Grade Boys
- Connor Clemmons
- Luke Estes
- Gene Ham
- Carson Hindsman
- Lawson Killingsworth
- Nicholas Kontek
- Trace Madden
- Khalil Moftaqir
- Kaven Powell
- Evan Robinson
- Brodie Smith
- Lawson Theisen
Pictured top: 2024 Tate High School Homecoming Queen Hailey Locke. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Homecoming Parades Friday For Northview And Tate (‘Biggest In Years’)
September 18, 2025
Northview and Tate high schools will hold homecoming parades on Friday, and Tate says their parade will be the biggest in years.
Tate High School
The Tate Homecoming Parade will being a night full of energy, Aggie pride and family fun at 6 p.m. in Pete Gindl Stadium.
“With a lineup of almost 20 entries, including Tate’s AJROTC, Cheer program, FFA program, the Showband of the South, and many others, this family-friendly parade is one you don’t want to miss,” organizers said.
Northview High School
The Northview High School Homecoming Parade will take place Friday afternoon in Bratt.
The parade will line up at noon and roll at 12:30 p.m. from Northview High School. It will travel east on Highway 4 before turning on Bratt Road by the Travis Nelson Park, around the park to Ashcraft Road to Highway 99, travel north past Bratt Elementary School, turn back onto Highway 4 and end at Northview. (Note that Ashcraft Road has a very narrow shoulder with no place to park.)
The parade and throws officially begin when it reaches Bratt Elementary School.
Pictured: The 2024 Tate High School Homecoming Parade in Pete Gindl Stadium. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
